St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel -- Chicago, Ill.

Destination: For members of St. Rita of Cascia Parishes in Aurora and Rockford, their parish patron’s feast day is coming up on May 22. The national shrine dedicated to her is getting ready to celebrate with a novena, Masses and a blessing with her relic — but all of that is over 12 hours away in Philadelphia!

Fortunately, a small, peaceful shrine is tucked away in St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago, just an hour or so away from Aurora and Rockford. 

Novenas, Mass and confessions are held on the first Thursday of each month at the shrine, starting at 6 p.m. (confessions at 6 p.m., and novena and Mass at 7 p.m.). 

Photos: Top — Augustinian Father Jack Tierney welcomes visitors to the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in a video on the shrine’s website (Observer screengrab/ Megan Peterson).

Bottom — One of the shrine’s mosaics depicts St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Photo/ St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel).

Why to go: The shrine was established in 1905 and moved to its current location in 1990. It has been served by Augustinian friars since 1907, who continue to serve the shrine and the school today. 

The shrine holds a mix of new and original art and artifacts. A reliquary holds a first-class relic of St. Rita  of Cascia. Hanging banners and stained-glass windows tell the life story of the 15th-century wife, mother, widow and Augustinian nun, known as the patron saint of impossible causes who aids those in times of difficulty.  

Mosaics and statues around the chapel also depict nine saints, including new saints like St. Pope John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta. 

Admission: There is no cost to visit, though hours are infrequent due to the school schedule. An email list is the best way to find out about new events; sign up at https://tinyurl.com/4bcpy5rp or email shrine@stritahs.com with any questions. 

Accessibility: The school campus is designed to be wheelchair-accessible for students. Ramps and elevators (as needed) are present. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: The chapel is housed in a kid-friendly school already, so they are welcome! And, better yet, if your grandson has the opportunity to meet one of the friars, he may be opened to the idea of discerning religious life.  

Info: Address — St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, Ill.  

Phone — 773-925-6600 (ext. 6626) 

Website — https://www.stritashrinechicago.com/

—By Megan Peterson, features/multimedia editor. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Terra Sancta Museum -- Jerusalem, Israel

Destination: Objects cared for by the Franciscans in the Holy Land, including a collection of 13 church bells discovered hidden in Bethlehem and dating back to the Middle Ages, have traveled to some of the great museums of the world.  

But now they will have a permanent home in Jerusalem as the Custody of the Holy Land moves forward toward creating a new “Historical Section” of its popular Terra Sancta Museum, which opened to the public in 2017.

Photos: Top — Franciscans in the Holy Land are advancing the next phase of the Terra Sancta Museum, which will add many more religious art objects and artifacts to the museum's collections (OSV News photos/ Tom Tracy).

Bottom — The museum includes a collection of some 450 earthenware pharmaceutical pots from the 17th and 18th centuries. The first “friar-doctor” sent to the Holy Land by Pope Pius II arrived in 1460. 

Why to go: The museum is situated at the Church of the Flagellation, the first station of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. Until now, that area has been limited to archeological artifacts from the first millennium.

The new section will be at the heart of the Franciscan headquarters in St. Saviour’s Monastery. Its rare collections of paintings, sculptures, archival documents, gifts from European courts — even a 13th-century gilded copper crosier of the bishop of Bethlehem — will help pilgrims to deepen their knowledge of the sanctuaries and discover the beauty of the liturgy in the Holy Land.

A multimedia section offers a 15-minute tour in English, Spanish, Italian, Polish and other languages. 

Admission: The museum is open daily; hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in the summer (April-Sept.) and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the winter (Oct.-March). Prices are given in Israeli New Shekels (NIS). One NIS is roughly $0.28. Regular prices are 15 NIS ($4.20) per person, and reduced prices are listed at https://www.terrasanctamuseum.org/en/visit-us/

Accessibility: Barrier-free access to the Flagellation Monastery is available from the Via Dolorosa street, and the multimedia section is handicap-accessible. However, there are no restrooms available. Animals are not allowed.

(Grand) Kid friendly: The museum calls for a quiet, respectful atmosphere, but holds educational camps for local children — so kids are welcome. If you have a history buff in the making, they may enjoy some activities you bring to fit the exhibits, like a coloring page for drawing the pattern on a piece of pottery, for example.  

Info: Address — Terra Sancta Museum, Via Dolorosa St. 1, Jerusalem, Israel  

Phone — +972 2-627-0467 

Website — https://www.terrasanctamuseum.org/en/

—By Tom Tracy. Tracy writes for OSV News from Florida. He was on location in Jerusalem visiting Christian holy sites.

Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Stations of the Cross at the Cloisters on the Platte -- Gretna, Neb.

Destination: During Lent, the Stations of the Cross guide us through Jesus’ Passion and death. At the Cloisters on the Platte, the Stations come to life in life-sized bronze statues by many artists, placed over a 2,500-foot-long walking path — the same distance as the Jesus traveled from His sentencing to His crucifixion, known as the Via Dolorosa, or the Sorrowful Way.

Grounds hours are Mondays-Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Sundays, 2-5 p.m. 

Photos: Top — Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear Jesus’ cross as his wife protests in anguish. A virtual tour and reflection on the bronze life-size Stations is available on the Cloisters on the Platte website. (Photos/ The Cloisters on the Platte)

Bottom — Veronica wipes Jesus’ face. 

Why to go: The Cloisters on the Platte includes more than the Stations of the Cross; it’s a quiet retreat center that holds men’s and women’s weekend retreats every few weeks. It was founded by billionaire Joe Ricketts after he attended a silent retreat, where he rediscovered his faith and values in an experience he called life-changing. 

Retreats are free for participants and are in high demand; retreats into early next year are filled. But the Stations are open when retreats are not in session. 

Admission: Visitors are encouraged to make donations of $10 or more; they will receive a complementary audio tour of the Stations. Parking is available in the lot across from the main gate and visitors can use the Cloisters’ shuttle service throughout the day. 

Accessibility: The Stations are wheelchair-accessible, and visitors may use manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and mobility aids such as crutches. Landscaping stones are placed along the trail for rest spots during the walk. Clearly-marked service animals are allowed, but not pets. There are no outdoor restrooms and no trams or golf carts for tours.  

(Grand) Kid friendly: You may encourage little ones to walk quietly, though the Stations are closed during silent retreats. But they can benefit from the prayerful experience, whether during an in-person tour or online at https://cloistersontheplatte.com/visit-the-stations/virtual-tour/. 

Info: Address — Cloisters on the Platte, 23332 Fishery Rd., Gretna, Neb.  

Phone — 402-509-6250 

Website — https://cloistersontheplatte.com/

—Megan Peterson compiled this story. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal -- Philadelphia, Pa.

Destination: We featured the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in 2015 to look ahead to the World Meeting of Families, held in Philadelphia that year. 

It’s now time for an update because of a small yet significant name change made in the last week of January, one that has brought “great joy” to the Philadelphia Archdiocese, according to Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez: the Vatican has elevated the shrine to the status of minor basilica. 

The Vatican decree recognizes the Marian shrine’s historical significance in the eastern U.S. and its over-140 years of ministry by the priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). 

Masses are at 9 a.m. Sunday; 12:05 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 9 a.m., 12:05 and 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Photo: The Vatican designated the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal as a minor basilica Jan. 25. (OSV News photo/ courtesy Central Association of the Miraculous Medal)

Why to go: Only one other church in the city of Philadelphia shares this basilica designation. But what does it mean?

Churches are noted as minor basilicas to recognize their historical or cultural importance, artistic beauty and significance in the life of the Church. The title also denotes a closer relationship to the pope. 

That connection to the pope will bring two additions to the shrine’s interior for papal visits. Keep an eye out for an ombrellino, a canopy of yellow and red silk (like an umbrella); and a tintinnabulum, a bell mounted on a pole. 

The shrine has much to see and do; join the Miraculous Medal Perpetual Novena, which has continued each Monday uninterrupted since 1930; visit the gift shop; or head to the nearby Art Museum of the Miraculous Medal Shrine at 475 E. Chelten Ave. The museum (temporarily closed) holds over 400 pieces of Marian art. Call 215-848-1010 to check hours or make an appointment. 

Admission: Visiting the shrine is free; gift shop prices vary. A form at https://miraculousmedal.org/visit-us/visit-form/ will help shrine staff with planning your visit. A secure parking lot is available (and open to buses) at Magnolia St. and Chelten Ave. The shrine is also easily accessible by public transportation. 

Accessibility: Parts of the shrine are wheelchair-accessible (through separate doors), but there are stairs to the main shrine entrance and some parts of the interior are raised. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! 

Info: Address — Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 500 E. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Phone — 215-848-1010 

Website — https://miraculousmedal.org/

—Provided by OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Silent Night Chapel -- Oberndorf, Salzburg, Austria

Destination: The Christmas song “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) may have put the town of Oberndorf, Austria, on the map, but it’s the chapel memorializing the beloved carol that is the town’s main attraction.

Best seen blanketed in snow, the small octagonal-shaped chapel, just 13 miles from Salzburg, is a tourist destination any time of year.

Photo: The Silent Night Chapel is best seen blanketed in snow. (CNS photo/courtesy www.stillenacht.com)

Why to go: With a storied past, the song plays a key role in a small Alpine town, a brief ceasefire during World War I and a beloved local debut.

The poem of “Silent Night” was written in 1816 by Father Joseph Mohr while living in Mariapfarr, Austria. The song, with music written by Francis Xavier Gruber, made its debut Dec. 24, 1818, at St. Nikola Church. The church’s organ was broken, so Father Mohr played guitar while he and the parish organist Gruber sang. 

The Silent Night Chapel marks the site where St. Nikola Church stood before floods in the 1890s. Construction on the memorial chapel began in 1924 and it was completed  Aug. 15, 1937, the feast of the Assumption.

On Christmas Eve in 1914, during World War I, the song prompted a cease-fire as French and British troops faced off against German troops in Flanders, Belgium. “Silent Night” was the only carol they all knew. The soldiers met briefly to sing, play games and trade goods.

The town is very walkable; check out the Salzach River, the Silent Night Post Office and more. Depending on when you visit, you can go to the Christmas Market starting in mid-November.

You can also take in the sights and sounds of the Silent Night Chapel without stepping on a plane. Hear “Silent Night” being sung in the chapel at bit.ly/3WpnvTV and view a 360-degree panorama for “Stille Nacht Kapelle Oberndorf” at https://www.salzburgerland.com/de/stille-nacht-kirchen-360-panorama/

When to go: If you’re planning a Christmas visit (and are ready to brave crowds), make sure to get to the chapel by 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Since 1953, the chapel has commemorated the song with an annual performance. 

Admission: There is no admission fee, though the Silent Night Museum nearby has a gift shop with Christmas ornaments, books and postcards. 

Accessibility: The chapel is reached by steps and sits on a slight (non-fenced) hill. With another person’s help, those using wheelchairs or strollers may be able to visit.

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! You may want to check with the museum beforehand if your little ones want to sing inside, though. 

Info: Address — Stille Nacht-Platz 1, 5110 Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria  

Phone — +43 6272 4422 

Website — https://www.stillenacht.com/

— By Ann Augherton, OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- Des Plaines, Ill.

Destination: On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines welcomes thousands of pilgrims for celebrations including many Masses, rosaries, mañanitas, fireworks and more. 

The shrine is also a peaceful and prayerful place to visit year-round (without needing to brave the winter weather).

Photos: Top — The faithful lay bouquets of flowers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Dec. 11, 2020, shortly before Mary’s image was temporarily moved to the nearby Marian Chapel. (CNS photo/ Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic)

Bottom — Father Esequiel Sanchez, current rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, blesses horseback riders of Club Los Vaqueros Unidos (United Cowboys Club) as they make their way to the shrine as part of a pre-celebration for the Dec. 12, 2016 feast day. (CNS photo/ Karen Callaway, Catholic New World) 

Why to go: The shrine began as an effort by a small local group to foster devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chicago. In 1987, Joaquín Martínez visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and brought back a statue of Mary. He and fellow parishioners brought the statue to nearby parishes and family homes. 

Construction on the open-air cerrito, the main devotional area, began in 1995. It was blessed two years later. During the blessing, a portion of earth from Cerro del Tepeyac in Mexico City was poured on the ground, and a digital replica of the original Our Lady image was blessed and enthroned. Because of this, devotees who make promises (mandas) to Our Lady are able to fulfill them here as if they were in the basilica in Mexico City. 

Admission: There is no admission fee and the plaza area is always open; donations of $15 are suggested for parking on the sanctuary grounds due to limited space. Several parking lots off the grounds, but still associated with the sanctuary, are free: St. Emily Parish, Palwaukee Square and Oakton Community College. 

Accessibility: Most of the grounds are wheelchair-accessible. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course!   

Info: Address — Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, Ill.  

Phone — 847-294-1806 

Website — https://www.solg.org/

— Megan Peterson compiled this story. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

St. John's Bible Gallery -- Collegeville, Minn.

Destination: The first handwritten, hand-illuminated Bible in five centuries, the St. John’s Bible brought together a team of 23 artists in Wales and a team of scholars in Minnesota for a project 11 years in the making.

Traditionally, religious art in the Church taught the faith to all, even those who could not read. Following that tradition, the project of Minnesota’s St. John’s Abbey and St. John’s University was made to appeal to visual learners and “ignite the spiritual imagination of people in terms of Scripture,” as Benedictine Abbot John Klassen puts it. 

Original folios from the Bible are held in a lower-level gallery of Alcuin Library, which is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays are open noon-4 p.m. from June 11-Dec. 10. Email Tim Ternes at tternes@csbsju.edu to reserve a guided tour. 

Photos: Top — An illuminated page of Proverbs illustrates Prv. 9:1: “Wisdom has built her house. She has hewn her seven pillars.” (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

Middle — The opening illumination of Genesis uses gold to show God’s ordering of the universe and its elements. ((Photos/ The Saint John’s Bible)

Bottom — This illumination depicts the woman “clothed with the sun” in Rev. 12:1-17. 

Why to go: British calligrapher Donald Jackson dreamed of creating a handwritten, illuminated Bible as a child. In 1995, while serving as a scribe for Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office, he spoke to Father Eric Hollas, OSB, about his idea. 

Jackson led and directed the team of artists in combining modern layout technology; traditional tools and materials including calfskin vellum, feather quills and egg tempera; and imagery from both biblical and modern times. The result is a rich illustration of both Church history and modern times — a “living document.” 

Admission: There is no admission fee for self-guided tours; donations of $5 are suggested for guided tours and presentations. Parking is available in Science Lot 1 or near the Abbey Church on campus. 

Accessibility: All levels of the library are wheelchair-accessible. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! Jackson says that he fell in love with calligraphy as a nine-year-old. Who knows where inspiration might lead young visitors?  

Info: Address — Alcuin Library, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville, Minn.  

Phone — 320-363-3351 

Website — https://saintjohnsbible.org/Home/Index

— Megan Peterson compiled this story and referenced CNS articles written by Laura Ieraci and Joseph Young. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org